By P.A. Geddie
Most Americans on the home front during World War II fully supported the war effort. Nearly all Americans despised Nazism and wished to defeat it and also sought to avenge the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
The war placed great demands and a great deal of personal sacrifice on the American people but they rose to the occasion, determined to do their part to achieve victory.
Just about every man, woman and child participated in some way.
Millions of women also were called into the work force to help. In humor and admiration the women defense workers were called “Rosie the Riveter.” Women worked in shipyards and aircraft factories and filled many jobs previously held only by men. The number of working women in the United States climbed from about 15 million in 1941 to about 19 million in 1945.
The United States astonished the world with its wartime output. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for the production of 60,000 aircraft during 1942—a goal many industrialists believed was impossible to achieve. Yet U.S. war plants turned out nearly 86,000 planes the following year. Shipbuilding gains were just as impressive.
Even children took part in the war effort. Boys and girls collected used tin cans, old tires, and other “junk” that could be recycled and used for war supplies.
Families participated in a rationing program to distribute scarce goods fairly. Each family received a book of ration coupons to use for purchases of such items as sugar, meat, butter, and gasoline. They also helped pay for the costs of World War II by buying war bonds, certificates, notes and stamps
Victory Gardens were started by families and children at school as well to offset labor shortages in the food industry, and to release food supplies for shipment overseas.
A great effort was made to keep the spirits of Americans high and motivated to do their par. Motion pictures, posters, and cartoons were used to win support.
Voice of America, a government radio service, began broadcasting regularly.
Music of the day was upbeat swing style that had civilians and soldiers dancing when they could.
USO shows went all over the world entertaining the troops. Bob Hope is most remembered for his tireless efforts to bring a little joy to the boys.
While World War II took a devastating toll, it also showed how a nation of people can come together, setting aside any differences, to work towards a common goal—freedom.